Each month, The Northern Echo highlights one of the many dogs looking for a home at the Dogs Trust, in Sadberge, near Darlington BEN is a four-year-old, smooth coated Border Collie cross, has been at the rehoming centre since January.

A dog with a sensitive and shy nature, Ben has been brought out of his shell by staff at the centre who have worked to get him used to being around people and other dogs.

Rebecca McKeown, from Dogs Trust Darlington, said: “Ben loves to play with his tennis ball and his doggy chums. This is when his cheeky personality shines through.

“He is looking for a home with lovely patient owners who will continue on with his training and spend time settling into his new life and giving him lots of positive experiences.

“He will need a quiet home with no young children, and although he socialises well with a wide variety of dogs, he may prefer to be an only dog in a home.”

To find out more about Ben or any of the other dogs in need of a home call 01325-333114 or visit the rehoming centre, in Sadberge Road, between noon and 4pm each day, except Tuesdays.